It's easy to worry about your financial situation, but you may be doing better than you think.

Setting clear financial goals, sticking to a budget, and planning ahead for large purchases are all signs that you're staying on track with your money.

You should also be saving regularly, living within your means, and planning for retirement.

When you were a kid, you probably thought being a grown up was all about staying up late and not having to do math homework.

But the truth is, adulting is a whole lot harder than that. Going to work, household responsibilities, and paying bills can take up a lot of your time.

Part of being an adult is having your finances in order, and it can be easy to worry that your nest egg isn't what it should be. Fortunately, there are some basic things you may already be doing that can help you stay on the right track with your finances.

INSIDER spoke with Tamara Dervin, a Chicago-based personal finance coach and certified financial educator, about what it takes to be financially stable. She gave her advice on some of the best things you can do to help secure a solid financial future for your family. You may realize that you're in better shape than you think.

1/

You have a budget.

You keep track of how much is coming in and how much is going out.
Shutterstock/Yuricazac

A household budget is a key component of financial success. "It's important to know exactly how much money you make and where it all goes each month," Dervin told INSIDER. Keeping up with what's coming in and going out of your bank account can help you avoid tapping into your savings for everyday expenses.

Having a budget can also help you identify places where you can cut unnecessary spending. If you need help getting started, Dervin recommended apps and websites like Mint and EveryDollar to help you set up your budget and keep track of your finances.

2/

You have enough to pay the bills every month.

Having a monthly budget in place is only helpful if you stick to it. Keep track of when your bills are due and pay them on time and in full. You should be able to take care of your monthly expenses without borrowing from the next month, Dervin told INSIDER.

3/

You have clear financial goals you're working towards.

You're working towards something.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Whether you're hoping to buy a home, start a business, or pay for your children's education, it's never too soon to start saving. Dervin suggested having clear financial goals that you are focused on achieving.

4/

You plan ahead rather than impulse buy.

You plan ahead for vacations.
Natalia Deriabina/Shutterstock

According to Dervin, it's better to plan for family vacations, holiday gifts, and other larger purchases in advance than to make impulse purchases. Allow yourself time to save money for these expenses and avoid having to use credit. Planning ahead can also give you time to shop around for the best deals.

5/

You buy only what you can afford.

You're not treating yourself too much.
Fabian Bimmer/Reuters

Living within your means is essential to maintaining good financial health. "If you know you are someone who is prone to overspend, credit cards may not be the best option for you," Dervin told INSIDER. "And if you find it difficult to keep track of how many times you swiped that debit card, you may be better off carrying the cash you need instead."

6/

You use credit wisely.

Look for cards that offer miles or cash back.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

If you do use credit cards, you should be able to pay off the balance each month to avoid interest and finance charges. Dervin also suggested taking advantage of credit cards that offer incentives. "If you're going to use credit cards, be sure to look for cards that offer airline miles or cash back," Dervin told INSIDER.

You save regularly.

No matter how much planning you do, unexpected expenses will always arise. Avoid the stress of borrowing from friends and family or dealing with the interest charges that come along with using credit.

You can ease the burden and save yourself a lot of stress by having a savings account to tap into in case of emergencies. Dervin told INSIDER, "You should have at least three months of expenses available in your savings."

8/

You're planning for retirement.

Part of adulting is not only thinking about the near future, but also considering the distant future. Knowing you have a financial plan in place when you are ready to leave the workforce can give you a lot of peace of mind.

If you have an employer-sponsored retirement plan, Dervin told INSIDER, "You should contribute at least the maximum amount your company will match. You don't want to leave free money on the table," she said.